丙

third (in order or quality)

Kanji 1773

Through this essay you’ll find out when the Japanese use the system of sequencing and ranking that includes 丙, and you’ll see why 丙 is excluded more often than not. With an explanation of the sexagenary system, you’ll come to understand how 丙 relates to the 12 zodiacal kanji. And you’ll discover how 丙 can factor into the name of the fifth day of a month while meaning “third”! 

Revision history:

Feb. 17, 2022: 

• p. 2, Etymology Box: Updated the Henshall etymology and Sears link.
• p. 3, first sidebar: Updated Henshall’s etymologies of 病, 柄, and 更.
• p. 8: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

Dec. 15, 2017: Originally published.